The festive spirit in Kolkata shows no sign of subsiding as the city prepares for Lakshmi Puja, which follows close on the heels of Durga Puja
Photos: Soumyajit DeyOn Monday, markets across the city witnessed brisk sales as people step out to buy puja essentials
At Lake Market, vendors lined their stalls with earthen Lakshmi patachitra, bajra (boats made from banana stems), dhan (grains of rice), and colourful idols of Goddess Lakshmi
From narkel naru and tiler naru to kheer and narkel chapa sandesh — the street-side stalls fill the air with a sweet aroma
Handcrafted bajra (boat) carved from banana stem and are decorated and sold ready-made in the markets
These are placed in ponds or tanks, symbolising prosperity and honouring the goddess of wealth